There is a way which seems right to a man...

I am always amazed at how defensive professing Christian parents get over the subjects of Santa Claus, Halloween, and the Easter Bunny. And it is never the parents who choose not to incorporate these icons of the world into their homes and families who become defensive. No, the defense comes as a justification of their choices.

In my view, plain and simple, it is idolatry. Each is something that purposefully takes focus away from God, robs Him of the glory due His Name and projects it else where. Such seemingly innocent tools with such a powerful objective. So cunning that were we not watchful and mindful, wise as serpents and innocent as doves, we would miss it and fall straight into the trap.

""Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:23,24, 31

I have to wonder, if they truly believe that these choices they have made - purely because it makes them feel good and not out of an effort to glorify and please God - are the right ones, why do they need so much defense? If you truly believe what you are doing is right and good why must you argue that point like a jack hammer into the ground, mocking and demeaning the other persons choice while you do it.

"There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." Proverbs 14:12

I can hear the angry choruses now. "Doing Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or Halloween isn't going to cause my family to die."

Hmmm... maybe not directly. But isn't that exactly what satan convinced Eve about a simple piece of fruit?

"Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls... For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil." 1 Peter 2:11, 16

Why? Why oh why are we trying so hard to look like the world, be like the world, fit into the world???!!! We are supposed to be different. Set apart. How can they see Jesus in us if we look and act just like them? (This is not to say I do not have my own faults and failings in the "looking and acting like the world" department - trust me, I live under conviction!)

Dare to be different! Dare to give up things that are fun but don't have any real benefit in your life. Soli deo gloria - to God ALONE be the glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a path before each person that seems right...